How to wash a feather comforter

Washing a Down Comforter

Though most goose–down comforters have labels that say “dry clean only,” Bob Vila claims that you can clean them at home if you have a front-loading, large-capacity washing machine and a high-capacity dryer. Place your comforter inside the washer and add the down soap.

Check the care label

With the right supplies and equipment, most down comforters can be cleaned in a washing machine (down itself it washable; it’s the comforter casing that can shrink and stretch). But if the care instructions on yours say dry-clean only, take the item to a professional.

To answer this article’s most important question: Yes, you can put a down comforter in the dryer, as long as you take into account the fact that keeping an eye on it might actually ensure a smoother process.

If you‘ve ever wondered if it’s okay to wash your down comforter instead of taking it to the dry cleaner, the answer is yes. You can absolutely wash a down comforter without spending upwards of $80, depending on the size, where you live, and how dirty it is, to have it dry cleaned professionally.

We recommend that you have your down comforter professionally laundered (not dry cleaned) because it’s easy and worry-free. We do not recommend to have your comforter dry cleaned because the harsh chemicals are not good for the down.

The answer is yes, but it must be done correctly or you could damage your comforter. To properly wash a down comforter, you will need a few things: A commercial washer and dryer. Gentle laundry detergent (Woolite is ideal)

Use a large capacity washer and dryer. Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can’t get clean otherwise. If your laundry set isn’t large enough to accommodate your comforter, use a commercial washer and dryer at your local laundromat. Remove the duvet cover, if applicable.

If a down comforter is washed and not dried properly, the feathers inside of it can mildew or mold, causing bad smells and potentially dangerous contaminants. The bedding may also absorb sweat and moisture as you use it, which can also cause odor over time if the bedding is used without a duvet cover.

Cuddledown recommends that you seldom wash your down comforter. At most you should wash it not more than once every 5 to 7 years, but if you take care of it and keep it covered, you should never really need to wash it.

If available, try an air-dry setting with no heat; otherwise, try the lowest temperature. Add two dryer balls to fluff the down and stop clumping. Interrupt the drying cycle periodically to re-position and re-fluff the down. Finally, sun-dry it by hanging outside to air out thoroughly.

Wash gently.

When you load your comforter into the machine, add a mild laundry detergent. Use warm water and a delicate cycle; hot or cold water can damage the down. Try to submerge the comforter as completely as possible into the water. If your comforter is white, feel free to add bleach.

All you need to do is mix oxiclean with the detergent and add it to your washing machine along with the comforter. Leave your comforter to soak in the cleaning solution for an hour or more and then run the washing machine on a delicate cycle to clean your comforter.

Method 1: Throw It in the Dryer.

(Tip: Add in a couple dryer balls soaked with 1-2 drops of lavender or cinnamon essential oil; when your comforter comes out of the dryer, it will be fluffier – and fresher-smelling.

Hand Washing

Mix by swirling your hand in the water. Fully immerse your comforter in the water, but don’t wring it out. You could distort its shape and possibly damage the filling. Instead, gently press down the comforter and swirl through the water.

Washing Machine Capacity

The general rule of thumb is that a front-loading washer with a tub that holds at least 3.7 cubic feet or greater can safely handle washing a king–size comforter. Do not put anything else in the washer when you wash the comforter, or it stands a chance of not coming clean.

Wash the comforter with the machine set on the gentle or delicate cycle, using cool or warm water. Most experts recommend duvet covers be washed every few weeks. A comforter or duvet insert should be washed a few times a year, though you can reduce the frequency of washing by keeping a cover on the comforter.

Use the cold water setting on your bedding and other oversized items for a gentler wash. Hot water can make colors fade or run. The extra rinse setting is also a good idea, because it ensures the detergent completely washes out of the bulkier material.

Washing. Use an extra large, high-efficiency front load washer to clean down or down alternative comforters. Load the comforter (by itself) into an extra-large, front-loading washing machine and select the water temperature. When in doubt, put the machine on the gentle or delicate cycle using cool or warm water.

Down material is great for breathability whether you’re using a down duvet or comforter. Since the down alternative requires more fill to attain similar insulation levels, it may be less breathable than traditional down.